PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND: Post-Doc Opportunities at Brown University

January 06, 2017

The Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences (S4) initiative at Brown University has openings for two Postdoctoral Research Associates (on two different projects). Evaluation of applications begins January 15!

The project addresses spatial and demographic patterns of decline at the city and county levels and emphasizes the importance of spatial context in characterizing loss. Meeting project objectives of developing county- and city-level typologies of decline and investigating demographic change and migration patterns associated with different types of areas will require a background in GIS and spatial analysis, as well as experience working with relatively large spatial datasets. Project components include the development of new measures of place-specific population change that incorporate spatial context and temporal scale. This typology of population change will identify various types of declining and growing places, according to recent population change, the growth trajectory of neighboring areas, and population change in previous decades; the identification of the demographic sources of population decline (fertility, mortality, and migration) associated with each category of population change and investigation of variations in migrant characteristics and destinations by decline type; the evaluation of the demographic burden of decline (i.e., differences in the characteristics of those exposed to population decline), with special focus on the characteristics of those living in areas declining at multiple spatial scales; and an assessment of the dynamics of decline in order to elucidate how age structure, residential segregation, population composition and distribution, and poverty levels change when places lose population.

QUALIFICATIONS

This project requires familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis methods and experience working with census data and similar large-scale datasets. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in hand or firmly expected in a relevant field by September 2017. Applications will be considered beginning January 15, 2017, and new applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com. On-line applications need to include (a) a cover letter describing expertise related to the position; (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) relevant manuscripts; and (d) names and addresses of three references who can be asked to write on behalf of the applicant.

The Research Associate will participate in a variety of research projects under the direction of Dr. John Logan and associated with the University’s initiative on Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences. The tentative starting date is 7/1/17. Major current studies are focused on the use of historical census data for the period 1880-1940 for which 100% population microdata are available. These projects have a major geographical component that includes drawing historically accurate GIS street maps of major cities, identifying enumeration district boundaries, and geocoding individual addresses. Projects include: 1) examination of Bayesian models to improve small area estimation, 2) identification of neighborhoods based on race, ethnicity, and class composition, 3) studies of neighborhood change and segregation trends over time, and 4) analyses of individuals’ recruitment into specific locations. These projects require familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis methods and experience working with census data and similar large-scale datasets.

QUALIFICATIONS

The position requires familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis methods and experience working with census data and similar large-scale datasets. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in hand or firmly expected in a relevant field by September 2017.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com. Applications need to include (a) a cover letter describing expertise related to the position; (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) relevant manuscripts; and (d) names and addresses of three references who can be asked to write on behalf of the applicant. A review of applications will begin by January 15, 2017, and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.